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Forensics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Forensics Scripting Developer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are looking for a talented Forensics ...

Forensics Scripting Developer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are looking for a talented Forensics ...

Forensics Scripting Developer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are looking for a talented Forensics ...

Digital Forensics Lead

Reston, VA · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

Digital Forensics Lead Location: Reston, VA Clearance Level: TS (SCI Eligible) SUMMARY Agile Defense is seeking highly qualified Digital Forensics Lead to support USG enterprise cybersecurity program ...

Digital Forensics Lead

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$160K - $175K/yr

Digital Forensics Lead Location: Reston, VA Clearance Level: TS (SCI Eligible) SUMMARY Agile Defense is seeking highly qualified Digital Forensics Lead to support USG enterprise cybersecurity program ...

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Showing results 1-20

Forensics information

See Virginia salary details

$43.1K

$114.5K

$166.1K

How much do forensics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensics in Virginia is $114,459.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,200.00 and $133,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic professionals when collecting and analyzing evidence?

Forensic professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining the integrity of evidence, adhering to strict chain-of-custody protocols, and working under tight deadlines. They must be meticulous in documentation and avoid contamination, as even small errors can compromise cases. Additionally, forensic teams frequently collaborate with law enforcement, attorneys, and sometimes testify in court, requiring strong communication and adaptability to different environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and criminalistics, usually supported by a degree in forensic science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, evidence management systems, and certifications like those from the American Board of Criminalistics are important for technical proficiency. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills help you analyze evidence accurately and present findings clearly. These skills ensure the integrity of investigations and the reliability of evidence in legal proceedings.

What kind of jobs are in forensics?

Forensics jobs include roles such as forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, forensic analysts, and fingerprint examiners. These positions typically require knowledge of laboratory techniques, evidence collection, and analysis, often supported by certifications and specialized training. Forensic professionals work in laboratories, crime scenes, or law enforcement agencies to support criminal investigations.

Which is the highest paying job in forensics?

The highest paying jobs in forensics are often forensic science managers or senior forensic toxicologists, who oversee investigations and laboratory operations. These roles typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive experience, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the employer and location.

What jobs can I do with forensic science?

Forensic science graduates can work as forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, forensic analysts, or laboratory technicians. These roles involve collecting, analyzing, and presenting evidence in criminal investigations, often requiring knowledge of lab equipment, evidence handling, and certification in forensic methods.

Is forensics a good career?

Forensics is a field that involves analyzing physical evidence to support criminal investigations, often requiring knowledge of science, laboratory skills, and attention to detail. It can offer stable employment opportunities in government agencies, law enforcement, and private labs, with some roles requiring certifications or advanced degrees. The career can be rewarding for those interested in science and justice but may involve irregular hours and exposure to challenging scenes.

What is the difference between Forensics vs Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectForensicsCrime Scene Investigator
Required CredentialsForensic science degree, certifications in forensic analysisCriminal justice or forensic science degree, training in crime scene processing
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, courtroomsCrime scenes, field locations, police departments
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, legal systemLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Common Search & ComparisonForensics vs Crime Scene Investigator

Forensics involves analyzing physical evidence in labs and providing expert testimony, while Crime Scene Investigators focus on collecting evidence at crime scenes. Both roles are essential in criminal investigations but differ in their primary responsibilities and work environments.

What are forensics?

Forensics refers to the application of scientific methods and techniques to investigate crimes and analyze evidence that can be used in a court of law. Forensic professionals work in various fields, such as biology, chemistry, digital technology, and crime scene investigation, to help solve criminal cases. They collect, preserve, and examine physical evidence like fingerprints, DNA, and digital data to uncover facts and support legal proceedings. Forensics plays a crucial role in the justice system by providing objective and reliable information to aid investigations and court cases.
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensics jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Forensics jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Forensics jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Forensics job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensics job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,459 per year, or $55 per hour.
Senior Digital Forensics Analyst / Interim Secret

Senior Digital Forensics Analyst / Interim Secret

Peraton

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 210 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is currently seeking a Senior Digital Forensic Analyst for its' Federal Strategic Cyber programs. 

Location: Full-time, on-site, Arlington, VA. 

 

Position Description:

 

The Senior Digital Forensic Analyst will:

  • Serve as a Senior-level Digital Forensic Analyst to support the CIF program with the ability and skillset to provide in-depth digital forensic analysis of mobile devices, electronic storage devices, cloud, server, and personal computer systems.
  • Conduct forensic examinations of digital evidence through the application of recognized scientific best practices for the recognition, collection, analysis, and interpretation of digital evidence for criminal and civil law or regulatory purposes.
  • Leverage existing skillsets to perform in-depth forensic analysis of various operating systems including Android, Apple iOS/MAC, Microsoft Windows, and Linux based operating systems.
  • Leverage existing skillsets to perform in-depth forensic analysis of file systems including APFS, NTFS, ExFAT, HFS/+, EXT2/3/4, and FAT/FAT32.
  • Leverage existing skillsets to perform in-depth forensic analysis of system and third-party application databases. As a tool-agnostic examiner, maintain proficiency in the use of industry-standard forensic hardware and software tools such as Magnet Axiom, Cellebrite Inseyets, PA/UFED, Oxygen Forensic Detective, EnCase, X- Ways, Nuix and with mobile advanced extraction tools such as Graykey and Cellebrite Premium
  • Maintain non-vendor and vendor specific certifications related to job duties.
  • Provide onscene support during the execution of search warrants with the identification, collection, packaging, handling, and chain-of-custody procedures of digital evidence.
  • Provide on-scene expertise and triaging guidance of mobile device and running computer systems regarding.
  • encryption, RAM captures, signal-blocking, biometrics, pin-locks, and field acquisition considerations.
  • Produce comprehensive notes, reports, and illustrative exhibits for federal, state, and local judicial proceedings; provide expert witness testimony to explain examination interpretations and conclusions from forensic examinations to a lay audience.
  • Collaborate with program government and contractor leadership, forensic analysts, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and other stakeholders to ensure that CIF maintains forensically sound procedures and best practices in the imaging, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence.
  • Stay abreast of new developments and trends in digital forensics, cybersecurity, forensic law, mobile devices, social media tools, mobile applications, and encryption technologies.
Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 9 years' experience; 7 years with a Masters degree. An additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of the bachelors degree.
  • Relevant experience as a digital forensic examiner in performing both mobile and non-mobile analysis in a digital forensic laboratory.
  • Must possess: one of the following approved forensic certifications:
    • GIAC: GCFE, GASF
    • IACIS: CFCE, ICMDE
    • NCFI: BCERT, MDE
    • DC3: CDFE, CDMC
    • Opentext: EnCE
    • Cellebrite: [CCO & CCPA], CCME
    • Oxygen Forensics: OFC
    • Magnet Forensics: MCFE
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge if forensic analysis of mobile device hardware, third-party applications, Apple iOS and Android-based operating systems; Apple Macintosh, Linux and Microsoft Windows operating systems, Windows Registry, Android Debug Bridge (ADB); Apple iTunes and iCloud; various computer file systems.
  • Experience in providing on-scene triaging, processing, handling, and packaging of electronic/digital evidence (chain of custody) during search and seizure warrants.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and experience in using various forensic software tools such as Magnet Axiom, Cellebrite Inseyets PA, Oxygen Forensic Detective, Nuix, X-ways, EnCase and with mobile advanced extraction tools such as GrayKey and Cellebrite Premium.
  • Experience writing detailed notes and reports that translate complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
  • Critical, creative, and sound decision-making skills, and the situational awareness to know when to involve program leadership for guidance.
  • The ability to travel for on-scene seizures of digital evidence, training, and/or testimony.
  • The ability to work with individuals at all levels within and outside the organization and to deal tactfully, courteously, and professionally with CIF end-customers.
  • U.S. citizenship required.
  • The ability to obtain a interim Secret clearance prior to being able to start.
    • The ability to obtain a final Top-Secret security clearance.
Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range$104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017